Integrated Pest Management, or IPM, utilizes a combination of techniques to effectively control a pest by using the methods least harmful to humans and the environment. IPM is a holistic approach to preventing or dealing with a pest. Instead of just reacting to a pest problem, IPM focuses on understanding why you have the problem and employs multiple strategies to change the conditions that allow the pest to thrive. IPM can also play a key role in preventing pests in the first place.

Some practices of IPM include:

• Pest Identification
• Monitoring/Assessing the problem
• Guidelines for when management is needed
• Prevention
• Using a combination of management tools
• Monitoring/Assessing the effect of the action taken

Proper timing of control is part of IPM, as well as taking actions to prevent pests in the first place and monitoring things along the way. Utilizing IPM can not only save you money, but will also minimize risks to you or the environment.

IPM applies a combination of control methods to the problem. These include:

• Mechanical control
• Cultural control
• Biological control
• Chemical control

Best Management Practices

In cooperation with the Columbia Gorge Cooperative Weed Management Area (CWMA), we have developed Best Management Practices (BMPs) for 25 invasive weeds found in our area. These BMPs include identification tips, impacts, habitat and distribution, how the weed reproduces and spreads, and integrated pest management strategies. There are also links to additional resources found on each document.

Blackberry                                      Meadow knapweed                                  Spotted knapweed
Canada thistle                               Old man's beard                                        Tansy ragwort
English holly                                   Poison hemlock                                         Tree of heaven
False brome                                   Puncturevine                                              Ventenata
Garlic mustard                               Purple loosestrife                                      Yellow starthistle
Hawkweeds                                    Reed canarygrass
Houndstongue                               Rush skeletonweed
Indigobush                                      Scotch broom
Invasive ivy                                      Scotch thistle
Knotweeds                                      Shiny geranium

Best management practices from other agencies: 

Weed Research & Info Center - UC Davis

King County Noxious Weed Control 

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Protecting Pollinators & Wildlife

It is important to control noxious weeds to protect the local environment, natural resources, and agriculture.  Although some noxious weeds may serve as forage for European honey bees and other pollinators, the negative effects of these invasive plant species far outweigh their value as a source of pollen or nectar.  Non-invasive and native plant species offer healthier pollen and nectar sources more suitable as pollinator forage than state regulated noxious weeds and in addition, benefit water quality, and fish and wildlife habitat—whereas, invasive noxious weeds do not. It is possible to minimize potential impacts to bees, other pollinators, and wildlife by using integrated pest management. Some actions to consider when conducting weed control include: 

• avoid disturbance of nesting birds by timing weed control accordingly
• control weeds before they flower
• utilize fall treatments of certain weeds before frost when plants are young and newly germinated
• if possible, make herbicide applications in the morning or evening when bees are less active
• avoid spraying pollinators directly

Skamania County Noxious Weed Program is committed to protecting pollinators and their habitat. Download the Skamania County Noxious Weed Program's policy on pollinators here. 

Learn more about pollinator protection: 

Bees and Noxious Weed Control

Full Circle: Control noxious weeds, grow healthy plant communities, and support bees and other pollinators

Pesticide Environmental Stewardship - Pollinator Protection